With 26 miles of sugar-white sand and turquoise water, 30A beaches are unforgettable. To keep them safe, beautiful, and welcoming for everyone, Walton County has rules and safety systems every visitor should know. At Stay on 30A, we care about your trip – that’s why we created this complete 30A beach safety guide. Here’s your complete guide to 30A beach safety and regulations.
✅ Know Before You Go
A few simple rules help keep the beaches pristine and enjoyable:
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Leave No Trace: remove tents, chairs, and belongings each evening.
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No glass containers.
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No solicitation.
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Do not remove sand, shells, or vegetation.
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Stay off the dunes.
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Keep noise levels respectful.
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Tents must be 10’x10’ or smaller, set up in the top 1/3 of the beach.
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No camping on the beach.
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Metal shovels prohibited; fill in sand holes.
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No littering or nudity.
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Maintain a 15’ setback from dunes/water for emergency vehicles.
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Vehicles and dogs require permits (dogs only permitted for residents).
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Bonfires require a permit.
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Only propane grills allowed; no charcoal.
⚠️ Violations may result in fines or removal of items left behind.
🌟 Leave No Trace
Walton County enforces a strict “Leave No Trace” ordinance. Any tents, umbrellas, chairs, or gear left unattended overnight (one hour after sunset to one hour after sunrise) will be removed.
This protects nesting sea turtles, keeps pathways clear for emergency vehicles, and ensures beaches remain beautiful for all visitors.
🔗 Visit South Walton Beach Safety & Regulations
🎣 Fishing on 30A
Visitors over age 16 (and residents under 65) must have a Florida fishing license, unless they’re part of a licensed fishing charter.
Licenses available at:
🔗 Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (MyFWC)
🚩 30A Beach Safety Flag System
The 30A beach safety flag system makes it easy for visitors to understand conditions before heading into the Gulf. Walton County uses a flag system posted daily at beach accesses to alert swimmers of conditions:
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Green Flag – Low hazard, calm waters.
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Yellow Flag – Medium hazard, moderate surf/currents.
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Red Flag – High hazard, strong currents.
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Double Red Flags – Water closed to the public (swimming prohibited).
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Purple Flag – Marine pests present (jellyfish, stingrays, man o’ war).
💡 Entering the Gulf during double-red-flag days can result in fines up to $500 and criminal charges.
🌊 30A Beach Safety: Rip Currents
Knowing how rip currents work is one of the most important parts of beach safety on 30A. Rip currents are strong channels of water that can pull even strong swimmers offshore.
How to Identify:
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Darker, deeper water patches.
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Murky brown water from stirred-up sand.
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Choppy, uneven waves next to calm areas.
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Breaks in the incoming wave pattern.
If Caught in a Rip Current:
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Stay calm — don’t fight it.
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Float with the current until it weakens.
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Swim parallel to the shore, then angle back in.
If Someone Else Is Caught:
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Call 911 immediately, give landmarks.
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Do not enter the current yourself.
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Throw a flotation device.
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Keep eyes on the person until help arrives.
♿ Beach Access for Visitors with Disabilities
ADA-accessible walkovers and beach wheelchairs are available at several regional beach access points, including:
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Miramar Beach
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Dune Allen
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Ed Walline
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Van Ness Butler Jr.
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Santa Clara
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Inlet Beach
Beach wheelchairs are provided daily from 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. during lifeguard season.
For more info: call Visit South Walton at (850) 267-1216.
Walton County Beach Accessibility
🐢 Protecting Sea Turtles
From May-October, 30A beaches are nesting grounds for sea turtles. To protect them:
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Keep beaches Clean, Dark, and Flat.
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Remove trash and gear.
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Turn off exterior lights visible from the beach.
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Fill in sand holes and knock down sandcastles.
To report turtle activity: call the Walton County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 267-2000.
🏖️ Stay on 30A = Safe, Relaxing Vacations
At Stay on 30A, we want your family vacation to be fun and stress-free. Our 30A vacation rentals keep you close to the sand, while our team provides insider tips on beach safety, local rules, and the best ways to enjoy your stay responsibly. Following these 30A beach safety tips ensures your family enjoys the Gulf worry-free.
👉 Browse All 30A Vacation Rentals
